Canted Bases For Scope

[iSnipe]

Reading a thread I see reference to using a canted base for scopes on long range shooting. I think I understand this concept, but want to clarify my thoughts...

Isn't using a canted base just mean to place some sort of shim under one of the scope mounts to get the scope to sit slightly canted?

What if someone said "20 MOA", meaning their scope is set at that cant, what specifically does that mean? I understand MOA, but not for the cant. Does it mean the shim would cant the scope enough to have it impact a difference of 20" at 100 yards?

Wouldn't the cant for long range shooting be done exclusively on the back scope mount to get the front to prop down?

One last thing, I'm saying "shim", but think it's more than that. What exactly are you guys using or doing to cant your scope?

Thanks,

iSnipe

[Eaglet]

Originally Posted by iSnipe

Reading a thread I see reference to using a canted base for scopes on long range shooting. I think I understand this concept, but want to clarify my thoughts...

Isn't using a canted base just mean to place some sort of shim under one of the scope mounts to get the scope to sit slightly canted? You want the rear of the base (the end towards the rifle stock) higher.

What if someone said "20 MOA", meaning their scope is set at that cant, what specifically does that mean? I understand MOA, but not for the cant. Does it mean the shim would cant the scope enough to have it impact a difference of 20" at 100 yards? It simply cants the base 0º20'00" which will equate to 20.94" @ 100 yards. 1MOA=1.047" @ 100 yards.

Wouldn't the cant for long range shooting be done exclusively on the back scope mount to get the front to prop down? Well, you want the back of the scope higher than the front.

One last thing, I'm saying "shim", but think it's more than that. What exactly are you guys using or doing to cant your scope? Do not use shims, the link below will visually show you why.

Thanks, You're Welcome.

iSnipe

This will help you to understand the process. Don't use shims.

Click here to read all this great info. about that!!!

[iSnipe]

Hello Eaglet!

Looks like I have the jist of the idea, so I'm in the ballpark anyway.

By the looks of that link you posted, I should be able to get a strong understanding of what it is with 3 pages of posts to read through.

Thank you for your help!

iSnipe

[Buffalobob]

First thing to do before anything else, is to zero the rifle at 100 yards (or some other value if you wish). Then carefully spin the dial up to the top counting as you go and record how much elevation you have available. After that return the dial to your zero setting. Next carefully spin it down to bottom counting as you go and record how much you have available.

You can't shim/cant the base more than you have adjustment available. If you only have 10 MOA of down available then you cannot shim/cant 20 MOA and still zero your rifle. So, if you are already close to the bottom of the scope you will not benefit from shimming. If on the other hand you are at the middle or close to the top then shimming can help.

[iSnipe]

Buffalobob,

Makes sense. I was thinking similar in the back of my mind about how much elevation I will have to work with. However, I would have not thought about figuring it out before hand. Great tip!

Thank you very much for your valued input. That'll help this ol' boy out when I get setup for long range.

iSnipe